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Sheer beauty and exceptional performance in the latest New Zealand Classic Car

13 March, 2016

There is absolutely no doubt that for sheer beauty combined with exceptional performance, nothing compares with the elegant Mercedes-Benz 500K and 540K supercars of the 1930s. Chief among these is the 540K Roadster penned by Hermann Ahrens, epitomizing the company’s masterwork.

 

This month we take a look at a fabulous 540K Roadster. This massive, handcrafted, art deco sculpture was the absolute pinnacle of automotive desirability from the moment it was launched in Paris back in 1936.

We also take a look at a vehicle that was owned since new, then left unloved for many years — our featured Rover SD1 was lovingly resurrected by the grandson of the original owner. Read his story as he and other family members rally together to create something very special indeed.

We also buckle ourselves into the latest monster from across the ditch — the latest HSV Clubsport LSA R8 — and put it through its paces. Read our final verdict.  

It’s Targa time once again, so be sure to check out the Special Stage maps, itinerary, and competitor listing for this year’s Targa Bambina.

For those of you who were not able to attend the NZFMR Porsche Festival at Hampton Downs, we bring you all the action, thrills and spills in a full report plus coverage of Leadfoot Festival, the New Zealand Classic Car Show, and other events from around the country.

Plus our usual full complement of news items, along with other features such as Behind the Garage Door, Club Corner, and Editor’s Pick to keep you reading.  

Grab a print copy or a digital copy of New Zealand Classic Car Issue No. 303 below:




Buy a print copy of the magazine for NZ$10


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Motorman: When the top trio took to the road

9 May, 2025

What sort of cars did Chris Amon, Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme drive when they weren’t on the race track? Motorman knows
Most top racing drivers do care about safety levels of road-going cars for everyday motorists and their all-round abilities behind the wheel. Jackie Stewart for one denied finding everyday driving boring. He took pride in giving his passengers the smoothest possible ride, and encouraged all drivers to actively engage in the task. They also make interesting choices for their transport away from competitive motoring.
Thirty years ago I spent a day with Chris Amon driving on lower North Island roads and I can remember those informative few hours as vividly as if they were yesterday. In 1983 Chris accepted a challenge from Toyota New Zealand to improve its locally assembled cars in a relationship that extended well beyond the end of New Zealand-built Toyota vehicles in 1997.

The Ayrburn Classic announces dates for 2026

7 May, 2025

Save the date: Friday 20 – Sunday 22 February 2026
That’s right. The Ayrburn Classic returns next February for what promises to be another world-class celebration, scheduled slightly earlier on the calendar to bask in Central Otago’s long golden evenings and late-summer glow. This festival will once again transform Ayrburn into a playground for car enthusiasts, food lovers, and seekers of high-end hospitality alike.
The 2025 edition set an incredibly high benchmark, and is fast becoming one of the leading reasons to visit Queenstown – amongst New Zealanders and international travellers alike. With over 250 classic and contemporary luxury vehicles on display – collectively worth more than $250 million – the festival was a visual and visceral feast for attendees.
Standouts included an $8 million LaFerrari, the latest Aston Martin Vanquish, and a fleet of dream machines from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and more. The event’s unique blend of elegance and accessibility attracted both seasoned collectors and casual admirers aplenty.